Projects - ENERGYCoP

Projects

WFP SAFE Initiative in Kenya

WFP SAFE Initiative in Kenya

Categories

Technology field of reference: cooking

Relevant sectors: Nutrition, Food Security, Protection

Population type: refugees and host communities

Category of funders: Not Available

Project Description

With about 80% of Kenya’s land arid or semi-arid, climate change and natural disasters such as recurrent droughts are threatening the country’s agricultural livelihoods and food security. In the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps where access to firewood is limited, people can skip meals, undercook or sell food to buy or save on firewood and charcoal, jeopardizing their nutrition. These risks are exacerbated due to the unaffordability of firewood in the local markets, sending more households to collect firewood to meet their energy needs. The country’s School Meals Programme is a vital safety net reducing vulnerability to hunger and expanding access to free primary education. However, due to the unaffordability of fuel-efficient institutional stoves, many schools prepare their meals on three-stone fires. This can be a considerable burden for the pupils’ families who often have to contribute firewood by buying it or collecting it themselves. SAFE in Kenya is a collaborative effort between WFP and its partners in the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps and surrounding host communities, as well as in WFP-assisted schools in the Nairobi, Narok, Isiolo, Samburu, Turkana, Garissa, Wajir and Marsabit counties. Activities include: 1. Technical training on the harvesting and processing of the raw material for briquettes, on the rehabilitation and afforestation of harvested areas, and on occupational health and safety 2. Production and distribution of mesquite briquettes 3. Distribution of fuel-efficient stoves to households and schools 4. Gender-based violence sensitization through increasing awareness about risks in firewood collection